I don’t even want to speak about it anymore. I’m infuriated both of the men in my life think I’m over-reacting by even contemplating the fact this could be the murderer toying with Nick. But, still, I tell Richard Nick’s theory.

‘It sounds to me as though there are some things requiring unearthing.’

‘Yes, but the worrying thing is, I don’t think anything good will come from it.’

‘Well, I imagine the family of the victim, and Nick’s family, might disagree. They want closure – don’t you think they’ll welcome that?’

‘I don’t know. Maybe.’ It seems odd for me to doubt this, but it’s a gut feeling.

‘Either way,’ Richard says, ‘you’re better off out the way. I don’t want you and the boys getting mixed up in all this. None of it is to do with you; it’s other people’s mess. The sooner I get you here, with me, the happier I’ll be.’

Finally, he says something I agree with.

Chapter Sixty-Seven

It’s not until certain things align that the course of action becomes clear. In the beginning, I was selfish. Maybe I still am. But I know now what I must do. All the signs point to this. I wish I knew how it would end, though. How each person would come out of this. If each person would come out of this.

Especially Amber.

I never intended for her to get involved – it wasn’t my fault. That’s what I tell myself. It helps, sometimes. But not in the dead of night, in the darkest recesses of the room; of my mind. During those dark hours, cloaked in regret, I know I could’ve, should’ve done something before.

I could’ve stopped this.

If I’d only opened my eyes.

But they’re open now – that’s what matters. And I can’t believe what I’m seeing.

Chapter Sixty-Eight

Amber

I’ve settled Leo – read him a story and tucked him in. But Finley isn’t ready for bed; I think his mind is too full.

‘Did you figure it out, Mum?’ Finley sits on the edge of my bed, his narrowed eyes trained on mine.

‘Figure what out, my lovely?’ I reach forwards and take his small hands in mine.

‘The man in the house?’

‘Well,’ I say, carefully choosing my words. ‘I thought about everything you said – and about your dad’s brother coming back. In fact, your dad was talking about him too earlier today. But he really believes Tim is … is no longer around.’

Finley pulls away from me, then draws his legs up underneath him, sitting cross-legged on the bed. He sighs. ‘Who’s been walking around at night, then?’ His voice is filled with concern, but not fear. He’s braver than me.

‘I think maybe our senses are heightened. Do you know what that means?’

He shakes his head.